A long silence filled the room.

Graham noticed the redness in Josie's eyes and, for some reason, it unsettled him.

He placed the rabbit plush on Kira's desk. Then, turning to Josie, he said, "This was my fault. I owe Kira an apology. If there's anything she wants in the future, just let me know."

Josie's heart trembled.

She had long since given up on Graham. But as a mother… she still wanted her child to have a happy birthday.

She called after him before he could leave. "If you really feel sorry, then just spend tomorrow with Kira. You know how much she's always wanted to be close to you."

He paused at the doorway.

After a long moment, he agreed. "Alright."

Josie let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

At least, just for a while, Kira could feel a little happiness.

…

The next morning, Kira woke early and waited eagerly in the living room, her eyes full of anticipation.

"When is Mr. Holloway taking me to the amusement park?" she asked, clutching her little backpack.

Children were easy to please. Just one trip to the amusement park was enough to make them forget all the past disappointments.

But noon came and went, and there was still no sign of Graham.

Call after call went unanswered.

The light in Kira's eyes dimmed by degrees—expectation giving way to disappointment, sadness, then a smile that was far too composed for someone her age.

"It's okay," she said softly. "Mom, let's go on our own."

Josie's heart ached as she looked at her daughter.

Even if he didn't show, she had already decided—she would give Kira a joyful day, no matter what.

But just as they arrived at the amusement park, a familiar voice rang out behind them.

"Do you want orange-flavored candy, or apple?"

Josie froze. Slowly, she turned around.

And there was Graham, standing at a stall, gently cradling Cami in his arms, asking which flavor she liked best.

Kira's eyes instantly welled with tears. Her lips quivered as she bit down hard, trying to stay quiet.

Josie could barely believe what she was seeing.

When Graham noticed them, his expression shifted abruptly.

He quickly handed Cami to the nanny and strode over, grabbing Josie by the arm and pulling her aside.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded, voice cold and full of contempt, like she was some stain he couldn't wash away.

Josie held back her tears. "Do you even remember what day it is?"

He scowled, convinced she was just stirring up trouble.

He had warned her not to appear in front of Allison with Kira. And now she had the nerve to show up here, of all places?

"I don't care what day it is," he said sharply. "Just leave. Now."

With that, he took her wrist and began dragging her toward the exit.

But before they could get far, a familiar voice interrupted. "Graham?"

He froze instantly.

Letting go of Josie, he cast her a warning glance before turning back with feigned ease.

Allison approached with Cami in tow, her gaze briefly flicking toward Josie, sharp and knowing.

"Well, if it isn't Kira's mother. What a coincidence. Did you come to play, too?"

Graham's eyes burned into Josie's face, as if daring her to say something she'd regret.

Josie gave him a bitter smile. "Yes. It's my daughter's birthday."

Graham's face stiffened.

Only then did he remember—he had promised to spend today with Kira. So this wasn't her showing up to make a scene. She had brought their daughter here to celebrate her birthday.

A flicker of unease passed through his eyes. He looked down at Kira—her eyes red, her small body trembling.

Something inside him cracked.

Allison, catching the moment, smiled sweetly and took his arm. "Well, what a coincidence. It's also Cami's birthday today. Graham even reserved the entire restaurant at a hotel to celebrate Cami's birthday."

Josie laughed softly, the sound hollow and full of irony.

So that was why he hadn't shown up.

He hadn't forgotten—he had simply chosen to celebrate someone else's birthday instead.

To him, Kira meant nothing.

There was no longer any reason to stay.

Josie took Kira's hand and turned to leave.

But just then, Allison made a suggestion. "Since Kira and Cami are classmates, and we happened to run into each other today, why not celebrate the girls' birthday together?"

Allison smiled with an air of innocence, but her eyes were unmistakably laced with provocation.

Josie declined. "No, thank you. We have other plans."

Allison pouted slightly, feigning hurt. "Is it because of what happened between Kira and Cami last time? If it made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry. That was mostly Cami's fault. Let me apologize on her behalf. There's no need to hold a grudge against a child, is there?"

Then, turning to Graham, she lowered her voice in self-reproach. "It's my fault. I returned to the country too suddenly, and Cami wasn't used to things here yet. That's probably why she had trouble getting along with her classmates."

Graham immediately pulled her into his arms, comforting her gently.

But when he looked over at Josie, his eyes turned cold. "If they share the same birthday, what's wrong with celebrating it together?"

Josie wanted to tell him that it wasn't the same at all—but before she could speak, Kira tugged on her sleeve.

With tear-reddened eyes, the little girl whispered, "It's okay."

She, too, wanted to see what kind of child her father truly liked.

At five, she couldn't understand favoritism. She only thought she wasn't good enough—that must be why her father didn't love her.

The restaurant was decorated like a fairy-tale castle.

Cami proudly led the way, soaking in the compliments and admiration. Kira trailed behind, silent and red-eyed, watching everything unfold with a mixture of longing and sorrow.

Allison suddenly appeared beside Josie, leaning in close to whisper, "I know about your relationship with Graham."

Josie stiffened.

She wasn't surprised. From the first time they met at the kindergarten, she had suspected Allison already knew. And now, her reaction confirmed it.

Still, Josie couldn't quite understand her motive. "What are you trying to say?"

Allison swirled the wine in her glass and smirked, voice tinged with mockery. "I just wanted to see what kind of woman spent ten years with Graham in my place. Turns out, you're not much. He never really cared about you."

Her words stabbed deep.

Josie let out a bitter laugh. "You're right. To him, I was nothing."

So there was nothing left to fight for.

After today, she would leave, and take Kira with her.

Allison's eyes gleamed with triumph as she waved toward Graham. "Graham, there seems to be a problem with the music for our dance. I heard Josie plays the piano. Why not have her play a tune for us?"

Josie looked at her in disbelief.

They wanted to dance together, and have her provide the music?

Allison's smile deepened, eyes sliding to Graham.

He said nothing. But his silence spoke volumes.

Josie turned, ready to refuse.

But then Allison added casually, "If Josie won't play, then maybe Kira can. I've heard she plays beautifully too."

Josie's heart clenched.

Graham chimed in, his tone dismissive. "It's just a piano piece. Kira could do it—why can't you?"

Josie looked at him for a long moment, then offered a smile so quiet it ached.

"Fine. I'll do it."

She wouldn't let Kira bear this.

She wouldn't let her daughter witness her own father being tender with another woman.

Better she take the pain herself.

She descended the stairs and sat at the piano tucked into a corner.

Allison stood beside Graham, beaming. "Anything is fine, Josie. We're not picky."

As she spoke, she leaned naturally against him, her hand resting on his arm.

Josie's heart had long since gone numb.

She looked at them—this perfect picture of love and triumph—and her lips curved faintly.

So be it. If they were so in love, she would play Mariage d'Amour.

Her fingers fell onto the keys.

Music rose.

And suddenly, Graham froze.

Josie played with quiet focus, as if she truly meant to bless them with her music.

But Graham's heart began to beat erratically.

He glanced at Josie, a flicker of unease crossing his features. He didn't know why she had chosen that piece. His steps faltered, but he didn't even notice.

Until Allison let out a startled gasp.

He had stepped on her foot.

Snapping out of his daze, Graham immediately scooped her into his arms and hurried away to find ointment.

The music came to a gentle halt. Josie watched their backs as they disappeared, and told herself—this would be the last time.

After today, she would leave with Kira.

She slipped into the restroom to compose herself, unaware that Kira had wandered to the cake table.

The lavish three-tier cake stood before her, and her eyes reddened.

Not once had Graham ever shared a cake with her.

She knew this one wasn't meant for her, but still, she couldn't help it. She reached out and cut a small slice.

Let her pretend, just for a moment, that this cake was from her father.

That was the thought she clung to.

But just as she made the first cut, Cami rushed over and smacked the plate from her hands.

"You little thief! How dare you steal my cake!"

Kira paled instantly and shook her head. "I'm not a thief."

She had only wanted to know what cake from her father might taste like.

But Cami didn't care. She shoved Kira hard and screamed, "You are a thief! You stole my daddy! Your mom is a thief too! She stole my mommy's man! Neither of you belong here—go away!"

Hearing someone insult her mother, Kira scrambled up, desperate to defend her.

"My mom isn't like that!"

The shouting escalated. The girls shoved each other near the entrance.

Cami, stronger by nature, suddenly pushed Kira out the door.

She lost her footing and fell hard onto the edge of the flowerbed.

Her little face went pale in an instant.

Cami froze, startled.

Then—perhaps out of guilt, perhaps out of calculation—she flung herself onto the ground and began to wail as if she'd been the one hurt.

Hearing the commotion, Josie rushed over, only to see Kira lying motionless in a pool of blood, her face deathly white.

Her hands trembled violently. Panic overtook her as she gathered her daughter in her arms and shouted for help.

Graham arrived moments later. When he saw the scene, his face went white as well.

He stepped forward to check on Kira—

But Allison called out just then, panic in her voice. "Graham! Cami fainted!"

He froze.

A flicker of hesitation crossed his face, then he turned and ran toward Cami.

Josie stood there, staring at his retreating back in disbelief.

Her entire body chilled. She held her bleeding daughter close and rushed to the hospital.

Thankfully, the injury wasn't life-threatening. But the doctors said Kira should stay overnight for observation.

Midnight came. Graham never appeared. Not even a phone call.

Josie sat by Kira's bedside, eyes full of guilt and pain.

But Kira only looked at her and smiled, trying to ease her mother's worry. "It's okay if Daddy doesn't come."

Josie's heart clenched.

"It's okay if he doesn't like me," Kira added quietly. "I still have you, Mommy. That's enough. Mommy, let's leave this place."

There was no trace of longing in her eyes now.

She was done hoping.

The image of her father walking away without looking back would forever be etched in her memory.

If nothing she did could make him love her, then it was better to leave.

Josie burst into tears and pulled Kira into a tight embrace.

The next morning, Josie checked Kira out of the hospital. They got into a cab headed for the airport.

Before boarding, she sent Graham one final message: [Goodbye forever.]

Then she deleted every trace of him from her phone.

Every number. Every thread. Every contact.

'Graham, you've used up all three chances. From now on, there's nothing left between us.'